Update: Apple clarifies first — gen iPad Pro Magic Keyboard compatibility

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The previous Magic Keyboard was stated to be non-compatible with the new 5th generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
However, Apple has now updated their documentation stating the new 12.9-inch (5th-generation) iPad Pro is compatible with the previous generation of Magic Keyboard.
Apple noted that the new iPad Pro does not fit precisely with the previous Magic Keyboard.

As found in the specs page of the recently announced 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro; the device happens to be slightly thicker than it’s predecessor — by exactly 0.5mm. This is due to the new mini-LED technology exclusive to this model of iPad Pro. Although this may not seem like much, it was enough for Apple to release a new keyboard, specifically tailored to fit the new chassis. According to Apple, this keyboard is compatible with the last 3 generations of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

However, with the release of this new iPad Pro, what will happen to the owners of 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models that may be looking to upgrade? Will their current keyboard still be compatible with the new generation iPad? After all, the more affordable Smart Keyboard is 100% compatible with the 3rd, 4th and 5th generation iPads according to Apple’s website — meaning that the connector is located in the same place and should be cross-gen compatible.

Up until last day, documentation was non-existent and people who contacted Apple Support were returned with inconclusive and contradictory answers. As the preorder day came closer, people were more and more hesitant about the compatibility of this accessory and whether they should just get the new keyboard by paying $349 all over again.

It looks like those questions have finally been answered by the company itself. According to an Apple Support document, the first-generation Magic Keyboard will be “functionally compatible” with the firth-generation iPad Pro. However, due to this device being thicker, it’s possible that the keyboard won’t precisely fit in when closed, especially if it has a screen protector on it.

The first generation of the Magic Keyboard (A1998) is functionally compatible with the new iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) with Liquid Retina XDR display. Due to the slightly thicker dimensions of this new iPad Pro, it's possible that the Magic Keyboard may not precisely fit when closed, especially when screen protectors are applied.

This is great news for everyone ready to preorder the new M1-powered 12.9-iPad Pro with Liquid Retina XDR display — as they won’t need to get an entire new $349 keyboard on top of an already expensive tablet. As a Magic Keyboard user myself, it’s great to know we’ll be able to keep on using this amazing piece of technology that completely redefined our concept of what an iPad is. It’s not an exact laptop replacement, but the best laptop alternative available on the market, delivering the best two-in-one experience.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 1st May, 2021.